Seasons of the Year in the United States: What Season is It in US Now?

The continuously changing landscapes and weather patterns of the United States give rise to the infamous question, “What season is it in the USA right now?” It depends on whether you are observing the change through the lens of the astronomical or meteorological definition. As of June 19, 2025, America stands at the threshold of summer, meaning it is astronomically poised for the summer solstice on June 20, while meteorologically, summer in the USA has arrived since June 1. Moreover, the two seasonal frameworks allow America to witness four different seasons: spring, summer, fall (autumn), and winter, each manifesting unique regional characteristics. 

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What Season is it in the US now?

Right now, America stands on the brink of summer’s grand entrance. If we consider the calendar used by weather scientists across the nation, the meteorological season, summer, has already begun since June 1st. However, the astronomical season tells us summer is going to mark its arrival from tomorrow, i.e., June 20, 2025. This dual reality stems from two different, yet equally valid, ways of defining the US seasons. 

1. Astronomical Seasons

The first one is astronomical seasons, guided by the cosmos. These seasons are dictated by Earth’s journey around the sun and its 23.5-degree tilt. It uses the solstices (longest and shortest days) and equinoxes (equal day and night) dates to mark when a season begins and ends. 

• The spring equinox, thus, began on March 20 or 21. 

• summer solstice begins from June 20 or 21;

• fall (autumn) will likely begin from September 22 or 23

• Whereas, winter solstice days will begin on December 21 or 22

2. Meteorological seasons

Unlike the astronomical seasons, meteorological seasons align with the climate. It is developed after observing the consistency in weather, record-keeping, forecasting, and comparing climate data. The three-month calendar blocks, primarily on the basis of the annual temperature cycle in the Northern Hemisphere, would be in the following manner: 

• Winter marks December 1 to February 28 or 29 as its coldest months;

• spring stretches from March 1 to May 31;

• summer, the hottest months, runs from June 1 to August 31;

• fall, or autumn, is experienced from September 1 to November 30. 

Rise in springtime temperature in the 48 US states due to global warming

Check Out: Do you know the difference between astronomical and meteorological seasons

2025 Season Dates in the US

Here is a complete list of monthwise dates of the sessions of the year in the United States to help you understand when they start:

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Seasons of the Year in the United States based on Weather

There are four seasons in the US by weather: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Being located in the Northern Hemisphere, the United States experiences both hot and cold months. Let’s take a look at how each season is witnessed differently in various states of the United States of America. 

Spring: March 1st/20th to May 31st/June 20th

Volatility defines spring. The Midwest braces for potential tornado outbreaks as warm Gulf air clashes with lingering Canadian cold. Northeast cities slog through mud seasons and late nor’easters, while the Southeast faces severe thunderstorms and rising humidity. California’s Central Valley explodes in bloom, but the Southwest enjoys warm, dry days before its monsoon arrives. Alaska undergoes a dramatic breakup, with rivers surging as ice thaws rapidly. 

Summer: June 1st/20th to August 31st/September 22nd

Brutal heat dominates the summer in the USA. The Southeast stews under oppressive humidity, a prime target for Atlantic hurricanes. Phoenix routinely hits 115°F+ as the Southwest monsoon triggers flash floods. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest savors warm, dry perfection, but California and the Mountain West nervously monitor escalating wildfire risks fueled by drought and lightning. Alaska’s interior basks in near-24-hour daylight and surprisingly warm temperatures. 

Fall: September 1st/22nd to November 30th/December 21st

When fall comes in the USA, crisp air descends all over New England and the Upper Midwest. The Southeast enjoys relief from humidity, though hurricane threats linger early on. Whereas, the Southwest enters its prime with warm days and cool nights, drawing tourists to desert parks. 

Winter: December 1st/21st to February 28th/29th/March 20th

Deep cold grips the Upper Midwest and Great Plains during the winter months; Chicago and Minneapolis become icebox cities of the US. The Great Lakes’ snow belts get buried under relentless lake-effect snow. However, coastal California turns wet, while its Sierra Nevada and the Mountain West accumulate vital snowpack.